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The Division of Retirement Accounts in Divorce in Illinois
Posted on January 28, 2019 in Divorce Finances
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Marital Property Division LawyerRetirement accounts and pension plans are important issues in Illinois divorce proceedings. In some cases, they are the most valuable asset acquired during a marriage. Even though one spouse may hold the pension, IRA, 401(k), or another retirement fund, this account typically qualifies as marital property.

Marital property is anything acquired during the duration of the marriage, as opposed to non-marital property, which accumulated before the commencement of the union and is not a part of the marital estate. All or part of a retirement account is usually included as marital property and is subject to property division.

Retirement Savings as Marital Assets

Account terminology depends entirely on the type held by the spouse. If the account was an employer-sponsored retirement plan, it likely is a 401(k) or pension plan. Typically, the verbiage used for the division is known as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO (pronounced as “quad row” or “cue drow”). If, however, you or your spouse had an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a transfer incident to divorce would be the correct terminology.

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Understanding Divorce in the Military
Posted on January 24, 2019 in Divorce
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Illinois Divorce LawyerThere is no doubt military life is very different than the civilian world. Between training schedules, deployments, and frequent relocations, being in the military is not for everyone. On top of all of the pressures our servicemembers and their families face, the military community also deals with a high divorce rate. Members of the military often change over time due to the constant demands, and family members also evolve with the situation. It is not uncommon that after a few years, a couple realizes neither of them is the same person and they are no longer compatible.

If this situation resonates with you, first, know that you are not alone. Here is a look at the differences you face in a military divorce.

The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act

This act urges the military to accept Illinois state statutes for issues such as child support, spousal maintenance, and military retirement plans. Therefore, Illinois has the right to award retirement pay to a spouse or a soon-to-be former spouse. Although it is not guaranteed, the retirement pay can be distributed as either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of disposable retired pay. To qualify, spouses must meet the qualifications of the “10/10 Rule,” which states the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, and the service member must have served at least 10 years of the marriage performing eligible military duties.

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How Divorce Mediation Protects Children
Posted on January 18, 2019 in Divorce
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Wheaton, IL Mediation LawyerDivorce is a stressful process no matter what method you choose. While spouses are busy dividing their union into two separate lives, researchers recommend they do their best to make sure any children they share stay atop the priorities list. Although children may say they are fine with the situation, the process is always emotional and confusing. The final result may be a new living arrangement and lifestyle. They will likely miss at least one parent every day, and possibly lose friends at school due to a relocation.

Parents looking for an alternative to divorce litigation will find divorce mediation offers an opportunity to both protect and prioritize their children. Divorce mediation benefits include:

Parents Lead by Example

There are no benefits derived from a child witnessing their parents argue. Although spouses can terminate their marriage, they will always be parents. Divorce mediation avoids the emotional courtroom arguments by allowing both parties to come together and discuss their options civilly. If emotions begin to escalate, they can walk away and revisit the matter once tensions have subsided. Mediation is an excellent chance to teach children a valuable lesson, that no matter what hard feelings may exist, you can put them aside and compromise for the betterment of everyone involved.

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Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Illinois?
Posted on January 16, 2019 in Divorce
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DuPage County Family LawyerGrandparents play a pivotal role in family structure. Parents provide for their children, discipline them, keep them safe, and teach them to be functioning members of society. Grandparents, on the other hand, provide unconditional love, wisdom, and a link to family history. Research suggests having a strong grandparent-grandchild connection has long-term benefits. Unfortunately, in some cases, grandparents find themselves unwelcome near their grandchild.

If a parent or parents refuse to allow visitation, do Illinois courts grant grandparents visitation rights?

Child Visitation at Parent’s Discretion

The laws surrounding parenting time and visitation focus on what is in the best interests of the child. In Illinois, the court assumes the parent also has that in mind and does not intend to intervene. Furthermore, the rights of a fit parent are constitutionally protected. It is right of the parents, not the court, to determine with whom their children should interact. Unless the actions of the parent are harmful or otherwise detrimental to the child in question, the courts typically rule in favor of the parent.

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Restricting Parenting Time After Divorce in Illinois
Posted on January 14, 2019 in Visitation
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child-visitation-modificationThere are a multitude of reasons a parent may wish to restrict visitation between a child and their other biological parent. Sometimes there is evidence of neglect or abuse, and in other cases, the child does not want to go for their own reasons. No matter the situation, a parent’s natural instincts kick in to protect their child and do what is best for them. Yet you must balance that with what is also legally appropriate.

When it comes to parenting time in Illinois, is it ever permissible to restrict visitation?

Obstructing Court Order

Typically, only under the direst of circumstances will a judge restrict visitation to a biological parent. However, a clause exists protecting children from potential danger. After any court order is given, such as a parenting time agreement, only a judge can legally approve modifications. Non-compliance with a standing court order is illegal and can result in harsh penalties, but a judge can authorize modifications if evidence exists that visitation would endanger the child's physical, mental, moral, or emotional health in a serious manner.

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